Terps Abroad Profiles

Sophia Wooden on Maryland-in-Barcelona
"I grew a lot in my cross cultural business skills and in my Spanish speaking skills while abroad. My network expanded when I embraced the community around me."

Jordan Bellamy's exchange with Amsterdam University College
"I am one of those people who never thought they'd study abroad. I'm here to tell you that it is not only possible, but it is the most enriching experience that I have ever had in my life."

Alexys Lopez on UMD-Winter: Italy (CLAS/ARTH)
"I had a level of independence that allowed me to explore Italy at my own pace, but still, a community of my peers to socialize with. The perfect mix of support and freedom helped me get the most immersive experience while learning new course material."

Franz N. Stuppard on UMD-Winter: Nicaragua
"I was fortunate to serve in the military and be stationed overseas, particularly in Europe. Going to Nicaragua did not provide any unusual challenge; however, I was able to guide the new students with some cultural adjustments."

Chiara Sforza on UMD-Summer: Italy (ENGL)
"I gained writing skills and knowledge about how customs and food traditions can differ in other countries. These skills will allow me to write better and also better understand and appreciate people who have different cultures from my own."

Dan Moscatiello semester on Maryland-in-Rome
"The sheer number of options available to students makes it so easy to find the best fit for you, whether it be a semester term or even a shorter trip in the winter or summer; there literally is something for everyone!"

Joshua Land's engineering exchange at Universidad Politecnica Valencia
"Personally, this experience was eye opening; I realized just how similar people are on the individual level, yet how different they are on a cultural level."

Teressa Ferraro's terms in Ecuador and Argentina
"After you spend six weeks not speaking English hardly at all, it's actually hard to adjust back! But more than just the basics of language, because of being disabled I really had to learn to communicate in a more nuanced way in Spanish so I could communicate what I needed to do and not do."

Briana Dick on Friendship in Australia
"There are so many chances to make friends and get connected with the programs the school offers. I constantly have a friend to travel around Sydney with, and honestly, it makes me feel so much safer knowing I have a buddy with me - plus you make such great memories to reminisce on later!"

Gessica Fleurival on Exchange in the United Kingdom
"I became more independent and self reliant and learned how to adapt to different cultures and different people. It gave me a different perspective on how others may view my own culture as well."